About
Autoimmune Hepatitis is a chronic disease where the immune system attacks the liver and causes inflammation for a unusually unknown reason. Environmental and genetic factor could contribute to the onset of the disease but the exact cause is unclear. The attack on the liver, if left untreated, can cause scarring to the liver. This makes it unable to work properly. Medications such as steroids and immunosuppressive medications can help resolve this issue and in some cases a liver transplant may be necessary.
SYMPTOMS
- Abdominal Discomfort
- Jaundice(yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Fluid build up in abdomen
- Nausea
- Fatigue
GENERAL CARE
SPECIALISTS
- Primary Care Provider
- Gastroenterologist
- Hepatologist
- Transplant Surgeon
BLOOD TESTS
- AST-every 1-3 months
- ALT-every 1-3 months
- GGT-every 1-3 months
- T. Bilirubin- every 1-3 months
MEDICATIONS
- Steroids
- Immunosuppressive Medications
- Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc Supplement
METHODS OF HEALING
| I had a liver transplant but had a really hard time getting my liver function tests to come down into a normal range. They stayed in the 150-300 range for a good 10-15 years and fibrosis was beginning to reform on my new liver before I was introduced to a medication called ursodiol/ actigall. It is typically used to treat gallstones but it managed to bring me down to normal range for the first time in my life. As of right now the mechanism by which it acts in this disease is unclear but my doctor, who was the head of liver transplant at John’s Hopkins, said they’ve had tremendous success with this treatment. |
HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE SUPPORT?
ABOUT MAZZY
Hi, I’m Mazzy and I had a liver transplant in 2003 and then was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis in 2004. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and IBS-C overlap in 2019 and am currently getting an aplastic anemia work up. I love Jesus and supporting others in their journey to health through self advocation and awareness.
RESOURCES
Here are some great links and resources to help you as you navigate your Autoimmune Disease.
AUTOIMMUNE STORIES
Their stories are brave, honest and intimately revealing of their diagnosis, their successes, their hardships and their lives. Sharing their stories allows them to put words to their journey while providing inspiration to others with an autoimmune disease.
